Friday, April 16, 2010

Not a moment too soon….here is Baby Girl’s room!

Does anyone else overanalyze furniture placement besides me and the Nester?  Please tell me, you do, too.

When we put our crib back together in February, I’d deliberately moved it to an adjacent wall, and positioned the glider and ottoman away from the window, in order to establish Seth’s nursery and Baby Girl’s nursery as individual places in my mind and heart.  (I know…it’s just a room.  But humor me.)

The room stayed like this for a while; actually, it was this way up until just this past weekend.

optional placement
But when it was all said and done, and all the furniture was in place, I realized that when we’d moved in, there was a reason we placed Seth’s crib on the south wall.

It’s just where it works best.

So, back it went.

crib wall

A close up of the crib skirt I fashioned with the original white PBK skirt from my friend MaryBeth and fabric that matches the valance.

bedskirt

closet corner

The “Baby Girl” banner from my shower, hanging in her closet.  And no, you’re not going to get to see her closet.  Not because it’s not tidy.  Oh, it is.  But because it is embarrassingly full. open closet

    north corner
One of my favorite areas in her room is the changing station.  I was able to find these coordinating baskets at Hobby Lobby for $7.99.  They are well-made and fabric lined, so I know they’ll last for a good while.  It makes my heart happy to have everything I need at my fingertips, and yet, still have it concealed in a tidy manner.

The mirror was inspired by another blog I read, used in the author’s half-bath.  When she said she’d found it marked down at her local Home Depot, I knew I needed to check it out, too.  For only $24.99, it was just right.  It was the size and shape I’d been looking for, and I love the beveled edges.

changing table
Ah, the birdcage.  Who knows where this will eventually land permanently, but for now, it’s on the end table across from the crib.
  birdcage

The bookshelves I’d originally intended to flank the crib ended up being just a hair too tall and too long, so…. we improvised.  And I have to admit, I’m really happy with the result.  Thank you, Uncle Fred, for giving us two beautiful pieces that we’ll have for years to come!

right bookcase

lanterns

Eventually, Baby Girl will have a name, and Kim’s canvas will hang above the glider.

east wall

Let me just say, Seth has been none too impressed to see some of “his” toys end up on his sister’s shelves.  We’re working on that.  I figure, he’ll either come to recognize them as her “baby” toys, or, he’ll have something to play with in her room while I’m feeding her.  (Wishful thinking on my part, I’m sure.)

left bookcase

So….there you have it.  It’s indeed been a labor of love, as much as putting Seth’s first nursery together.  In case you’re wondering about some of the particulars of the room, I’ll try to answer as many questions as I can think of.  If there is something else you’d like to know, please leave me a comment, and I’ll update the post as appropriate.

Bedding: Bumper is Pottery Barn Kids (PBK), retired print Mia.  Purchased in March 2009 for $24.97 on clearance, marked down from $89.00!!!  Crib sheet: PBK dark pink gingham, lovingly given by my friend MB.  Crib skirt: PBK pleated skirt in white; embellished with 1.5 yards of butterfly fabric from Hobby Lobby.

Window treatments:  Dark pink drapery panels were purchased for $10 (for the PAIR!) at Dollar General Market.  I love them!  They are fully lined, and room darkening to boot.  The valance is my pride and joy.  A yard each of polka dot and butterfly fabrics from Hobby Lobby, and five metal drawer pulls made this “eyebrow” come together beautifully.

Mirror: Found at your local Home Depot. =)   Original inspiration for the mirror goes to Susie Harris.   Here is how she showcased her crest mirror.

Furniture:  The Baby Italia convertible crib (tea stain finish) was originally purchased from Babies ‘R Us in 2007, as was the changing table.  It doesn’t appear that the changing table is being carried by BRU anymore, but there is one similar to it on their website.

The glider and ottoman were purchased at a baby boutique in Ohio, but are nationally sold under the Best Home Furnishings line.  Our chair in particular is part of their Storytime Series, custom upholstered in Carrot microsuede.

The two bookshelves were built by Jim’s uncle Fred.  I would have been happy with the $15 pre-fab ones from WalMart, but I’m glad Jim asked me to let him have Uncle Fred make them for us, instead.  We were able to stain them ourselves, and I know we’ll appreciate having something handmade in our home for years to come.

Accessories:  The metal wall hangings were found at Hobby Lobby in the garden section.  The big daisies were $5.99, and the smaller daisies with hooks (I think you can only see them in one picture) were $3.99.  Changing table baskets were also a Hobby Lobby find, as was the four-opening frame above the crib.  You can read all about the birdcage here and here.  The clock/radio is my absolute MUST HAVE for the nursery – I love the built-in two-degree nightlight – and I “stole” it from Seth’s room, because, well, I’m cheap and I didn’t want to spend $70 for a duplicate for both kiddo’s rooms.

I think that’s about it!  I’d love to know what you think of Baby Girl’s room.  I wish that the pictures could truly convey how cheerful and bright the room turned out.  I know that many happy, if not sleepless, nights will be spent with her here.  A lot of love and thought and generosity of friends went into this room, and I know that I will rest well, confident that our daughter is cocooned in such a happy, safe place.

13 comments:

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Love it, Monica...you did a beautiful job!!

Valerie said...

It's absolutely gorgeous! Martha Stewart has nothing on you. ;)

Stacy D said...

It looks awesome! I love all of the bright colors and cool accents you have! I totally wish I had your level of creativity and a vision for those sorts of things. Can I hire you to design and decorate our family/rec room in the basement? Yes, the walls are still builder's white... UGH!

Can't wait to meet baby girl in just a few DAYS!!

Mary @ Giving Up On Perfect said...

LOVE the bright colors! What a lovely room for a baby girl!

Blair@HeirtoBlair said...

You did a WONDERFUL job! I love it. love the orange the best :)

& woot, blue bird cage!

Sara said...

I love that layout! It's much more user friendly. :) Beautiful!

Mrs. Frogster said...

It's fantastic! I love all the sweet details - great job!

Now just waiting for baby girl to make her grand entrance! :)

phasejumper said...

What a great room for your baby girl!

Charity said...

I absolutely love it!!! You are such a talented decorator!!

Anonymous said...

Hi there~
I think this is one blessed baby. Her room is just adorable.Great job!

Vanessa @ See Vanessa Craft said...

What a fun nursery, I love it!!

Holly said...

Love her room! It is so cute!!

Kate said...

Love it! So impressed...I have zero creativity and wind up spending a lot of money on matching sets that never look so good. Wish you were a neighbor to act as an interior designer! :-)